Sailing is a teacher for Detroit students in yacht club program

Kids in Detroit are learning how to sail thanks to a partnership between the Detroit Yacht Club and U Prep Schools.
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Adrianna Lee, 17, hikes to windward on the Laser sailboat during the Junior Sailing Program for Detroit youth at the Detroit Yacht Club in Detroit on Tuesday, August 1, 2017.(Photo: Omar Abdel-Baqui , Special to the Free Press)

With a bandana wrapped around his head to soak up sweat and his shirt off to soak up the sun, 14-year-old Abdullah Bayi had no place he would rather be than out on the glistening Detroit River, steering his sailboat and enjoying some of his three favorite things: waves, wind and water.

Abdullah is among more than a dozen students from University Preparatory charter schools who are participating in the annual Junior Sailing Program for Detroit Youth this week. University Prep has been in partnership with the Detroit Yacht Club for four years.

In 2013, an anonymous donation of $250,000 was made to the Junior Sailing Program to allow for University Prep students to partner with the Detroit Yacht Club through 2018.

It provides “a unique opportunity to not only apply STEM lessons firsthand, but to be on the Detroit River in the summer, enjoying the beautiful weather and all the benefits of Belle Isle,” said Rian Barnhill, executive director of marketing for University Prep schools, referring to lessons in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

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Jacob Wooten, left, and Braylen Morton, sail on the Detroit River while waiting for their next instructions during the Junior Sailing Program for Detroit Youth at the Detroit Yacht Club in Detroit on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. Brittany Greeson, Special to the Free Press

From left, Jacob Wooten, James Allen and Jaden Walton rig the sailboat before leaving the dock during the Junior Sailing Program for Detroit Youth at the Detroit Yacht Club in Detroit on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. Brittany Greeson, Special to the Free Press

Jaden Walton, right, and James Allen on the Detroit River during the Junior Sailing Program for Detroit Youth at the Detroit Yacht Club in Detroit on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. Brittany Greeson, Special to the Free Press

Adrianna Lee hikes to windward on the Laser sailboat during the Junior Sailing Program for Detroit Youth at the Detroit Yacht Club in Detroit on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. Omar Abdel-Baqui , Special to the Free Press

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The Junior Sailing Program is a two-and-a half month program directed by the Detroit Yacht Club. For one month, the program is open at a greatly reduced cost to any student who attends a University Prep charter school. The program allows students to learn the basics of sailing. As they improve, advanced lessons become a part of practice.

“There are kids with a variety of different skill levels," said Junior Sailing Coach Ian Price said. "Some kids start the program not even knowing how to swim, but at the end of the month, can sail on their own.”

Price added that students must pass a swim test and a capsize test before sailing on their own. The capsize test is to ensure the sailors-in-training are able to recover from having their boats tipped over.

Practices usually consist of numerous warm-ups, drills, windward and leeward races, and lessons that help sharpen skills and assist the students in becoming better sailors.

Students listen to instructions and directions from sailing coach Sergei Lie of Grosse Pointe before going out on water during the Junior Sailing Program for Detroit youth at the Detroit Yacht Club on the Detroit River in Detroit on Tuesday, August 1, 2017.(Photo: Brittany Greeson, Special to the Free Press)

Sailing Director Sergei Lie helps conduct the training out on the water. He has been sailing for 30 years and said he enjoys spreading his knowledge of sailing to youths.

Abdullah, according to Lie, is one of the most improved sailors.

“Four years ago, I heard about this program during class and told my teacher I didn’t want to do it. It turns out, the day I said that, my mom signed me up without me knowing," Abdullah said, adding that he is now grateful for the opportunity that was presented to him.

“Sailing has taught me how to meet new people and how to be patient and polite with others — because once you're racing, everything goes away, and you just have to learn how to compose yourself.”

Corey Allen echoed a similar sentiment.

“Sailing has taught me better communication and teamwork because I have to work closely with the crew that’s on the boat,” said Corey, 12.

Jaden Walton, 12, right, and partner James Allen, 15, on the water during the Junior Sailing Program for Detroit youth at the Detroit Yacht Club on the Detroit River in Detroit on Tuesday, August 1, 2017.(Photo: Brittany Greeson, Special to the Free Press)

Mark Ornstein, CEO of University Prep schools, said the experience on the water helps students grow.

“The donor has changed the lives of children," Ornstein said. "I don’t think they t realize the impact they have made.”